Switzer shoots to the top at Skowhegan

Skowhegan, Maine … Driver Kevin Switzer Jr held the hot hand at the fairgrounds on Monday (August 15), scoring three wins during Skowhegan State Fair’s second session of harness racing and, in the process, claiming top dog status in the drivers’ standings during the early portion of the weeklong meet.

Switzer launched his attack on the oval with an insistent score behind Katelyn’s Angel (Western Maverick-Avacal Bliss) in a $17,514 Maine Sire Stakes event for two-year-old pacing fillies. Owned by Leighton Properties and trained by Marc Tardif, the freshman filly drew away to a 3-1/2 length margin at the wire while claiming her third career victory timed in a lifetime best 2:00.2.

Switzer’s second spin around the Skowhegan span resulted in victory number two on the day as King Royalty (Classic Card Shark) coasted three-lengths the best in 1:58.3 to nab the 34th win of his career. The win was the third of the meeting for conditioner Zack Gray who remains perched atop the trainers standings of the young Skowhegan season.

Switzer completed his hat trick day by testing the speed limit off the quickly improving Skowhegan surface, touring the strip in a dazzling 1:56.4 jaunt behind the Benson Merrill trained Riproy (Mach Three). The mile, the fastest recorded at Skowhegan yet this year, hints of epic speed shows to come as the meet crescendos toward the wildly anticipated Hight Memorial Invitational on Saturday (August 20).

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Skowhegan with post time slated for 7:00 p.m. Before returning to 1:00 afternoon cards on Friday and Saturday.

For complete non-wagering race results, click here.

For complete pari-mutuel results, click here.

by Mike Sweeney, for the Skowhegan State Fair